Paul Simon

Paul Simon in 1966

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Paul Simon 25-07-2008 1

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Paul Simon in 2012

Gershwin Simon 2007 Rev

Paul Simon is an American musician, singer-songwriter, and actor whose career has spanned over six decades. He is best known for his partnership with Art Garfunkel in the folk rock duo Simon & Garfunkel. Born on October 13, 1941, in Newark, New Jersey, Simon was raised in Queens, New York. He developed an interest in music at a young age, which led to his meeting Garfunkel while they were both in elementary school. Together, they began performing as Simon & Garfunkel in the 1960s, achieving fame with hits such as "The Sound of Silence," "Mrs. Robinson," and "Bridge over Troubled Water."

After Simon & Garfunkel disbanded in 1970, Paul Simon embarked on a successful solo career. His music is known for its exploration of a wide range of genres, including folk, rock, world music, and pop. Some of his most acclaimed solo albums include Paul Simon (1972), There Goes Rhymin' Simon (1973), and Graceland (1986), the latter of which won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1987 and is often cited as one of the greatest albums of all time.

Simon's songwriting is characterized by its lyrical complexity, exploring themes of love, alienation, and social issues. His work has earned him numerous awards and accolades, including 12 Grammy Awards, and he is a two-time inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (once as a member of Simon & Garfunkel and once as a solo artist). In 2001, he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and in 2007, he was awarded the first annual Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.

In addition to his music career, Paul Simon has also appeared in several films and television shows, often in cameo roles. He has been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including the co-founding of the Children's Health Fund, a nonprofit organization that provides health care to underprivileged children in the United States.

Simon announced his retirement from touring in 2018, following the completion of his "Homeward Bound – The Farewell Tour." Despite retiring from touring, Simon has remained active in music, continuing to write, record, and perform on occasion.

Discography

• Paul Simon (1972)
• There Goes Rhymin' Simon (1973)
• Still Crazy After All These Years (1975)
• Graceland (1986)
• The Rhythm of the Saints (1990)
• You're the One (2000)
• So Beautiful or So What (2011)
• Stranger to Stranger (2016)
• In the Blue Light (2018)

Awards and Honors

Paul Simon's contributions to music have been widely recognized. He has received 12 Grammy Awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award. His album Graceland was awarded the Grammy for Album of the Year in 1987. Simon has also received the Kennedy Center Honors in 2002 and was the first recipient of the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song in 2007.

Legacy

Paul Simon's influence on music and culture extends beyond his impressive catalog of songs. His exploration of various musical styles, including his incorporation of South African music in Graceland, has inspired countless artists and musicians. Simon's lyrical prowess and innovative compositions have set a high standard in songwriting, making him one of the most revered figures in the music industry.